Friends Rekindle Old Friendships, Reconnect

Jennifer and Molly were best friends in second grade. They laughed in class and made a secret language together. They had sleepovers and went on family trips together as well.

Jennifer moved to Germany before high school, so they lost touch. Many years passed before they reconnected recently. Jennifer said good friendships last, even with pauses and distance.

Early friendships are very deep and important for many people. These friends know us very well, sometimes better than ourselves. Staying connected is hard when adults have jobs and families to take care of.

Technology can make people feel lonely, says psychologist Marisa Franco. People fear rejection, so they don't reach out to old friends. But Franco says people are happy to hear from old friends and want to connect.

Heather and Laine were close friends who grew apart after Laine moved. They were busy with kids, jobs, and parents. They reconnected when Heather visited Denver and learned Laine had cancer.